Unsure about how it works in Aspire but in Desktop there certainly is a dimension tool. There is also a measurement tool that is just momentary in action, it only temporarily records the measurement. The Dimension tool works as one would expect a 2D CAD package to work. Why not download a trial copy and take it for a spin.

I’ve been learning a lot lately, about 3D modeling (making reliefs-.stl files), and I wanted to pass on something I wish I would have learned years ago.
There are FREE 3D modeling softwares with Amazing capabilities.
These will save .STL files, and others, that can be opened in meshcam, and probably some free cams too.
The point is, a CAM that tries to do the same modeling, well close, is $1000’s of dollars.Blender, and Sculptris is FREE!
I’m amazed, and feel ignorant, sometimes
Not to mention 3D scanners (good ones not free)

I think one challenge in cutting this with a 3-axis machine will be what the underside and topside of the fingers looks like. You won't get any detail, for example, between the fingers (on either the top, or the bottom), assuming that you do want to capture all of the detail shown. With that caveat, I think you could cut it with a flip-jig, and software that supports two-sided machining, for example, MeshCAM. Where I would personally start, is by finding an existing 3D model of a hand for Bl…

So my issue has been trying to get a good cad/cam for linux. Especially one that can handle complex models (I've tried using heeks and mesh cam and both use up my ram instantaneously. As both were written before 2013 i dont understand how they eat up 16gb so fast) after looking at all the recommended solutions, my last hope was blender cam which I was 100% sure wouldnt work. I was surprised at how competent it is though. Got some Goode for a mountain I pulled from google maps and it only took ab…

Excellent recommendations! I moved Sculptris up to https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/CAD#3D — If you could write up a brief description, I’d be glad to move it into the table (or if you want an account on the wiki to do it yourself, just send me a PM w/ your e-mail address requesting that).

Sculptris is a free 3D modeling program by Pixologic (The makers of ZBrush), that many find to be a good starting point for learning 3D modeling.
It is also well liked for it’s efficient use of computer resources, and works well with laptops, or older operating systems, like Windows XP SP2, for example.

Got my machine today!! Its all together and tried to run hello world but computer wouldn’t download it or something ido weird so gonna try again tomorrow its late. But did get another little pic drawn with the sharpie and for most part went fine…make little popping noise when moves in a certain direction gonna look into that more also. Should not be any noise correct?

The double side tape provided not holding down the drag chain well at all on the gantry…any suggestions to use?

Not sure on the popping, maybe confirm that the pulleys aren’t slipping on the shafts of the steppers, they should have grub screws in the pulley, one of which should line up with the flat on the shaft, and both should have loctite.

I had the same problem with the drag chain, I just lined it up in the correct spot, then drilled into the extrusion and tapped for a small (1/16th size) screw to hold it in place. Works like a charm!

I use Inkscape and have found it easy to make Scalable Vector Graphic files that I can bring into Carbide Create to get the job done.
Start with a clean Jpeg image:
File>Open> gear.jpg
Path>Trace Bitmap
Image import defaults should work . . . ( DPI From - File, Rendering - Smooth checked) select OK
Select Live Preview, OK
File>Save (as Inkscape SVG)

Note that I said clean Jpeg image. At times I need to erase small unwanted details in the image with Photoshop first.
Photoshop Pro Tip: if the outlines (cut paths) are weak and not well defined, duplicate the layer and make the top layer Multiply in Blending Mode to give it more contrast.
Also I include a reference image of a ruler/scale from edge to edge to make it easy to check material size when in Carbide Create.
Hope that helps!

@WillAdams@stutaylo thanks for info I’m going to try run the hello world from that link and see if it works. Yea I just wouldnt open.

As for the grub screws…not sure where they go or what they are lol we have like rubber washers kinda left 3 of em said they were optional but never said where they go. The directions were left out un detail to say the least. So is it the rubber things ur talking about? Could you upload pics where they go pls? Thanks guys I’m going to continue to play with it today…homing worked fine top right corner. Now gotta make sure everything is square…again directions said we will do this later but never did…and tips on that would be appreciated. Fingers crossed haha

The three rubber washers are grommets to go onto the bottom of the enclosure to protect the wiring from the metal edges — these aren’t particularly sharp, and the wires should not be moving, so yes, they are optional.

You can see them installed here:

The pulley set screws / grub screws are something different, there’s a tech note on them at:

thanks but I dont know either im a idiot or my laptop is stupid I got them downloaded and even the app unzipped but now cant open them…its trying to open with internet explorer or asking what app. How do I get it over to carbide create? then to motion or am I missing something?

sorry to bother so much just cant get this little thing to work and is frustrating!